TARANTO
The area where the Greek
City developed is identifiable in the actual Old City, in
all the external flanks of the Necropolis (the area which
today preserves the medieval plant).
On this same area, the
Roman City was under siege, particularly the area of the New
City; during the Augustea era, a bridge was built which joined
with the mainland; remains of an amphitheatre, brought to
light by a dig, were once again interred in today Communal
Market. Of extraordinary interest, is the Necropolis, which
holds thousands of tombs, from the most ancient burials to
the monumental room sepulchres, decorated with sculptures,
fictiles, and rich furnishings. There is a vast collection
of ceramics and of local art, preserved in the National Museum,
without doubt, one of the largest and richest in Italy (there
are in fact almost 5000 vases preserved, as well as sculptures,
mosaics and coins).
The Cathedral (6th-7th Centuries) is notable, even though
additions and posterial alterations are evident. The façade
and the splendid Chapel of San Cataldo re-propose the Baroque
characteristics. Other interesting monuments are the Aragonese
Castle, which houses the late-Renaissance Chapel, and the
Gothic Church of San Domenico, even though it was transformed
during the Baroque period.
On the communal territory, you can find Basiliane churches-grottos
and coastal, watch-out and defence towers.
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